The Argo Goes West

97, Gate of Sacramento

A huge gate, like Hadrian's Gate, blocked the railroad tracks. It was a solid structure made of piled stones, and even the Argo's 305 mm artillery seemed difficult to break through.

At the top of the castle gate was a watchtower, and a bonfire was burning brightly. It was the fire that Captain Harris saw on the periscope. At first there were only two gatekeepers, but now there are over twenty, all pointing their guns at the Argo.

"Drop the guns!!" shouted one of the gatekeepers.

Paul Reisman asked Captain Harris for instructions. "What should I do?"

"Do what they say."

"Yes, sir."

Riseman reluctantly placed the heavy weapon he was holding at his feet.

"Okay. Next, Hold up!"

The Argo crew silently followed orders.

"Who are you guys!"

Captain Harris was relieved to finally be given an opportunity to explain himself. "My name is Danny Harris, United States Army officer and captain of the USAL Argo."

They didn't reply. They had never heard of the Argo and were confused. After a while, the previous gatekeeper left, and a lean preacher-like man with a goatee stood at the lookout.

"I'm the acting mayor of Sacramento, Hector Jackson," the man said. "Let me tell you what your purpose is."

"We are on our way to San Francisco to find out what happened," Captain Harris roared. "Please, open the gates and let the train pass."

"I have a responsibility to keep the town safe."

"I know. We promise not to harm you."

"I can't take your word for it unconditionally," said Hector Jackson. "I need something to prove that you're really who you say you are."

"Let me show you my medal."

"I don't approve of that."

"Why?"

"Carter has a medal too."

"Who's Carter?"

"Carter is the leader of a guerrilla called Carter's Raiders, who run wild around here."

"A guy like William Quantrill?"

"That's right."

Captain Harris speculated that they had attacked Colfax. But he didn't ask Hector about it. Instead, he wondered how he could convince Hector that they weren't enemies. A reliable helper appeared there.

"You know who I am, don't you?"

The man the gatekeepers had their searchlights on was Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt assumed that Hector would agree and open the gate. But Hector said something unexpected.

"It's true that you look like Theodore Roosevelt, but that doesn't prove that you are Theodore Roosevelt. In fact, there is a self-proclaimed Theodore Roosevelt in this town who looks exactly like you. "

"Don't be silly!" exasperated Theodore Roosevelt. "He's fake! He's definitely fake!"

"We all know he's fake, but that doesn't mean you're real."

"Umm..."

The argument continued for another half hour. As a result, Hector Jackson suggested the following:

"I grant you permission to enter Sacramento if you accept the following conditions. First, no more than ten people can enter with the Argo."

"What should I do with the rest of the people?"

"I can't enter the town, so please camp outside the town."

"In case there is an enemy attack, will you allow them to carry weapons?"

"I admit it."

"Understood. I accept the terms."

The gates of Sacramento opened solemnly.

Aboard the Argo were Chester McDade, the engineer and his assistant Huw McLaughlin, Theodore Roosevelt and his secretary Hildy Craig, Captain Danny Harris, Vice-Captain Clay Roberts, Sergeant Jerry Romolo, Pete Stryker, William 'Doc' Morton, and Floyd Murdock. (he was the representative of the war correspondents) They entered Sacramento after undergoing a strict body search by citizens.